General Geographic Area: South Maui

In a nutshell: South Maui is home to the spectacular world-class beaches of Kihei, Wailea and Makena. Wailea, to the south of this region, boasts exclusive world-class resorts and golf, while Kihei to the north is where you’ll find more down-to-earth hotels & condos.
Minuses: Once off the beach, the Kihei part of South Maui has lots of shops and food, but feels much more like California than Hawaii.
Sound-bite: “How many new beaches should we find today?”

The area called “South Maui” is a coastal strip which is actually geographically on the south-west coast of the island. Starting in North Kihei, South Maui extends as far south as you can drive, La Perouse Bay. The popular tourist destinations of Kihei, Wailea and Makena (in that order) comprise virtually all in this area, and generally speaking, the beaches and lodging become more posh and exclusive the further south you go. Several of the absolute best of Maui’s high-end resorts are concentrated in the Wailea area. There are also six spectacular golf courses in South Maui to choose from.

South Maui has two main thoroughfares: South Kihei Road, and the Pi’ilani Highway (Hwy 31.) South Kihei Road runs right along the scenic shoreline, and at its southern termination connects to the main north-south thoroughfare through Wailea and Makena. The Pi’ilani Highway parallels the coastline about a half-mile up the mountain and is a much faster (though less scenic) route that bypasses most of the shore-town destinations. The Pi’ilani Highway is your best bet if you know where you are going. If you’re just taking your good old time, sightseeing, or generally checking out the lay of the land, South Kihei Road is a better choice.

Ignore maps that connect South Maui with Upcountry Maui. No public roads exist to connect these areas. Many private, gated, nonexistent and/or 4WD roads show on GPS and online maps of Maui (including Google Maps.)

The largest shopping center is called “Pi’ilani Village Shopping Center” and is the only shopping center on the Pi’ilani Highway. Anchored by Safeway and Hilo Hattie’s. Pi’ilani Center also has a gas station, Roy’s, Starbucks, Outback, two banks and a dry cleaner – among many other shops you’ll find useful if staying in South Maui for any period of time.

There are many smaller strip-malls, restaurants and places to shop scattered along the length of South Kihei Road – Pretty much anything you’d expect to find at a typical smaller US beach town is available somewhere along this road.

For more specific information on South Maui, browse the South Maui category.

You may also be interested in:

• Kihei Park Shore
• Kihei Resort – Griffin Family (#213)
• Beaches: Ma’alaea to Central Kihei

Big Beach is long, wide, beautiful, and extreme.

Rating: 4.85 out of 5 stars

In a nutshell: Big Beach is a beautiful, long, wide, undeveloped sandy beach. Impressive, with huge views and a large shore-break. Big Beach is a must-see.
Minuses: A wicked shore-break exists here when the surf is up that can be dangerous for the inexperienced.
Sound-bite: [monster crashing wave]

DETAILS:
One of the most outstanding beaches in Maui. Big Beach is well over a half a mile long, and is also uncharacteristically wide by Maui standards. That means loads of real estate to stake out your claim, and this beach, while always drawing lots of people – is never so crowded as to be packed.

Sign on the lifeguard stand warns people not to go in unless they are experienced using this beach.

Let me start by saying this: don’t let the warnings below scare you off – even if you don’t swim well, this is not a beach to miss.

Big Beach has a significant on-shore break that can be downright brutal when there is a large south swell. This is never a beach that is safe for small children or inexperienced swimmers. Adults might want to think twice during high surf, as well.

Recently three lifeguard stands were added. If any beach on Maui should have had lifeguard stands, this is it. This is one point glossed over in most guidebooks, and is very important that visitors know: the waves here are often big, and powerful. The shore break crashes right at the water’s edge, and you should always enter the ocean here cautiously. If in doubt, consult a lifeguard.

Yeah, this guy stuck the landing. 10.0!

When the surf is up, you’ll also be front-row to the most extreme boogie boarding you’re likely to see during your visit. The photos below were taken during the tail-end of a receding south swell.

Taking a break from shreddin'

There are also a handful of food vendors that operate out of trucks inside and just outside the park. Jawz Tacos is usually in the parking lot and you really can’t do wrong with them, they’re particularly ono.

Access to Little Beach, perhaps the most famous nude beach on Maui, is from Big Beach. (see the Little Beach page, which also has a nice helicopter-shot video of both beaches.)

Key Info:
Location: Makena Alanui Rd., (4 Mi S of Grand Wailea Resort)
GPS Coordinates: 20.631901,-156.447265
Facilities: Bathrooms, lifeguards, picnic tables.
Get directions

View Makena Big Beach in a larger map

You may also be interested in:

• Po’olenalena Beach
• Palauea Beach (aka White Rock)
• Polo Beach

Wailea Beach

Rating: 4.65 out of 5 stars

In a nutshell: Consistently rated one of the world’s best beaches.
Minuses: Crowded with resort guests and their accouterments.
Sound-bite: “Hey, is that Paris Hilton?”

DETAILS:
Wailea Beach is unquestionably a study in beach perfection, and if you don’t mind a resort vibe (and a crowd to go with it) this is a truly outstanding beach.

The beach is wide, the sand perfect, and the ocean inviting. Views of Kaho’olawe, Molokini, Lana’i and the sights (and sounds) of whales are common in winter.

When the ocean is calm, snorkeling is very good around the rocky outcroppings that define both ends of the beach. Boogie boarding and body surfing are also fun in the typically regularly formed, small waves and gentle slope.

Wailea means “the water of Lea”, the goddess of canoe makers. Prior to resort development, this beach was called Kahamanini, and the name Wailea referred only to the rocky point defining the south end of this beach. Original Hawaiian place names often reveal deeper insight to locations, and this is no exception – the name Kahamanini means “place of the surgeon fish.”

The Four Seasons and the Grand Wailea resorts sit like jewel-encrusted Maltese-Falcon bookends smack on either end of this beach. So, unless you show up at the crack of dawn, the beach will be crowded with people, beach chairs and cabanas.

As a result of the original approval for development of this area, visitors will find well maintained public access and facilities, including a paved walkway that runs the length of the beach (and beyond.) Bathrooms, showers and plenty of free public parking are also provided for all to use.

Note: During south swells the surf can get big and rip currents and hazardous water conditions form. Check out the ocean safety page

Video Credit: HawaiianOBrien.com

Key Info:
Mile Marker: #0.4 – Wailea Alanui Rd.
GPS Coordinates: 20.681288,-156.441944
Facilities: Showers, bathrooms. No lifeguards.
Get directions

View Wailea Beach in a larger map

You may also be interested in:

• Polo Beach
• Ulua Beach
• Mokapu Beach

Palauea Beach

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

In a nutshell: A long, beautiful sandy crescent set back from the wind.
Minuses: Development.
Sound-bite: “Is that Paul Blart?”

Details:
This is a nice, wide, uncrowded and lesser-known beach. You won’t see very many tourists here – mostly populated by a few local folks and fishermen, on weekends family and friends join in on the fun. What’s left of the small kiawe forest is cut up into private lots which have been seeing high-end vacation home development over recent years. The neighborhood has hired a security guard who has the unenviable (and endless) job of telling the locals who have long used the trees along the margins for shade and relaxation, to move onto the public beach. There are a few public access trails strategically located, and parking along the undeveloped portions of Makena Road (so far) remains unrestricted.

Snorkeling is excellent around the rocky outcroppings at both ends of the beach, with the south end being a bit larger and slightly clearer. Boogie boarding is also decent during south swells and perfect for kiddies or beginners when seas are calm. The sandy bottom entry is sloped gently for swimming and playing. Note: During kona storms or large swells the ocean here can become unsafe with rip currents.

Key Info:
Location: Middle of Makena Rd., park alongside the road. (see map below)
GPS Coordinates: 20.670472,-156.442974
Facilities: None.
Get directions

View Palauea Beach aka White Rock in a larger map

You may also be interested in:

• Po’olenalena Beach
• Chang’s Beach & Five Graves (aka Ulupikanui Beach & Pamolepo)
• Polo Beach

Po'olenalena Beach

Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars

In a nutshell: A long, often uncrowded sandy beach.
Minuses: Has become more popular in recent years.
Sound-bite: “You may now kiss the bride!”

Details:
Po’olenalena is a nice, long sandy beach, that until recent years was mostly known only by locals. Because it has spectacular sunset views, and often becomes uncrowded late in the day, it is a favorite location for wedding photographers and ceremonies.

Po’olenalena means “yellow head” and is said to refer to a longtime landmark, a yellow-streaked rock on the golf course mauka the roadside.

To read other guidebooks you’ll think you’re going to end up all alone on a spectacular deserted beach all day long – maybe true years ago, but not these days. The main parking lot is big, but on weekends you may have a tough time finding a spot to park. Mostly popular with local families, during the week it is less crowded.

The south end of this beach fronts the Makena Surf Condos, and the north end fronts several high-end houses located on on Makena Rd. The central portion of the beach, directly off of the main parking area, is currently undeveloped and is popular with locals, families and fishermen.

Snorkeling is excellent around the rocky outcroppings at the south end of the beach. Boogie boarding is also decent during south swells and perfect for kiddies or beginners when seas are calm. The sandy bottom entry is sloped gently for pleasant swimming and playing. Note: During kona storms or large swells the ocean here can become unsafe with rip currents.

There is a port-a-potty at the north parking lot and a shower at the south entry.

Key Info:
Location: Makena Alanui between Wailea Golf Club Dr. & Makena Surf. (see map below)
GPS Coordinates: 20.663646,-156.441042
Facilities: Port-a-potty, shower, no lifeguards.
Get directions

View Po’olenalena Beach in a larger map

You may also be interested in:

• Palauea Beach (aka White Rock)
• Chang’s Beach & Five Graves (aka Ulupikanui Beach & Pamolepo)
• Polo Beach

At beaches with lifeguards, look out for orange high-surf flags in the sand. If they are present, visit the lifeguard stand to read or talk to a lifeguard about the conditions.

Keep in mind that the county almost never closes beaches during dangerous conditions. Flags and warnings will also not be up outside of lifeguard hours. It is up to you to understand that Hawaii’s oceans can become dangerous, and that it requires each individual’s attention, respect and understanding of conditions.

If you ever get caught in a rip-current, please keep in mind the three most important things to your survival:

image: NOAA

Conserve your energy -Don’t fight
Remain calm and conserve your energy. Float, breathe and don’t panic. Always remember that you can not escape the current by swimming against it.

Swim parallel to shore
If you swim parallel to the shoreline, you can escape the current. When out of the current, swim at an angle towards shore.

Float
You can easily float in the current, do not panic if it is taking you further from shore than you believe you can swim. Waive your hands for help and wait calmly for assistance.

You can get current beach conditions, warnings, and safety tips here:

You may also be interested in:

• High Surf Advisory for North Facing Shores
• Jaws (aka Pe’ahi)
• Beaches: Ma’alaea to Central Kihei

'Ahihi Bay meets the road

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

In a nutshell: ‘Ahihi Bay’s Waiala Cove is an excellent place for beginner to intermediate snorkelers, SCUBA and kayaking.
Minuses: Rocky & no sand.
Sound-bite: “Please don’t stand up!”

DETAILS:
Typically called ‘Ahihi Bay (or even Ahi Bay by mistaken visitors), Waiala Cove is a small semi-protected cove of the overall much larger ‘Ahihi Bay. It is popular since it’s a convenient place for snorkelers to get in the water without hiking or swimming. For folks venturing away from the immediate entry area of the cove, larger coral formations and the more diverse populations of life they support begin revealing themselves. SCUBA and kayaking are also popular here. Parking options are very limited, and since the narrow road abuts the end of the cove, it doesn’t take many people showing up for a snorkel before it begins to feel over-crowded.

Waiala Cove itself is shallow, and entirely made from large lava rocks often covered with spiny sea urchins. The shallowness of the cove is a main attraction but also poses the main hazard – especially during times when the ocean is particularly rough or waves are coming directly into the cove. Since snorkelers are floating, they’re largely at the mercy of the water level and wave action – rough seas here mean you’re getting up-close and personal with shallow or partially submerged boulders. Snorkelers should avoid this cove in rough conditions.

During normal ocean conditions, more experienced snorkelers, swimmers and kayakers can venture out of the cove and into ‘Ahihi Bay (proper) where it remains shallow and is teeming with life. Within 100′ of shore, depths rarely become deeper than 15′. Stronger swimmers, SCUBA divers and kayakers may choose to make their way even further out into the bay where average depths are 25′-35′. Snorkeling to the south (left) is where you will find the best coral formations. There are also caves and trenches close to shore. Besides all the fish, as you proceed further you’re also likely to encounter everyone’s favorite, the Honu (green sea turtle) and equally impressive eagle rays.

Click this image to read the sign - the close date has been extended into 2012.

Waiala Cove is part of the ‘Ahihi-Kiana’u Reserve, and one of the only parts of the reserve that is still open to the public. Careless descriptions in guidebooks along with some less than environmentally sound kayak tour companies literally trampled this fragile reserve ecosystem down. Areas like Mokuha (aka “Fishbowl”) and Kalaeloa (aka “Aquarium”) became an unsustainable draw for people after being publicized and commercially exploited. Several years ago commercial kayak tours were banned in the hopes that it would move the impact toward sustainability. But do-it-yourself hikers and kayakers filled the void, and since self-guided visitors are typically not as informed as those being guided, the unintended consequence was less informed visitors.

In 2008 the decision was made to close off almost the entire reserve to the public for two years while a better way to manage the reserve was determined. In 2010 that decision was extended for an additional two years. This portion of ‘Ahihi Bay was chosen to be the only popular snorkel spot in the reserve where land-access would remain open. (To visit the other ocean portions of the reserve means you must access via non-powered boat or by swimming.)

It is very important to note that while virtually all guidebooks offer suggestions of places to enter the water from the rocks, the only place anyone should ever enter at Waiala Cove is via the concrete slab on the North end of the cove. Not only is it the easiest and safest way in, entering from other areas has impacted coral significantly. A volunteer group of concerned naturalists partnered with the State and other environmental groups had been educating visitors about this (and other sustainable practices), but the group’s presence at ‘Ahihi-Kiana’u has since been suspended pending the State’s study on more effective solutions.

Important information for beginner snorkelers:
An initial State-sponsored study suggested that beginning snorkelers be told to avoid this area because they’re more apt to make unintentional but common errors which impact the environment and can even be dangerous to themselves. This suggestion is somewhat controversial, because, while this is true, it has also been shown that the vast majority of visitors respect our ecosystems in Hawaii when they’ve been educated on their impacts and how to minimize them.

If you’re just starting snorkeling, please take a minute to read the following:

1. The first and most important thing is to observe the ocean. While this cove is typically calm, ocean conditions do vary. There are lots of unforgiving rocks, urchins, etc., and if the sea is rough in the cove it can become a hazardous place to snorkel.

2. If you have never snorkeled, this is not a good place to learn the very basics. I’d suggest all snorkelers coming here familiarize themselves with snorkeling first, at any of many sandy-beach entry locations, prior to coming to Waiala Cove.

3. Another thing to always keep in mind anywhere you snorkel is not to stand up. When you stand, you damage coral. More experienced snorkelers will adjust masks and clear water from snorkels while swimming or floating.

Key Info:
Location: Makena-Keoneoio Rd.* (5.3 Mi S. of Grand Wailea Resort) – * Note: different maps refer to this road by various different names, usually containing the word “Makena” – they are all the same (and only) road through this area.
GPS Coordinates: 20.618205,-156.437201
Facilities: None
Get directions

View ‘Ahihi Bay & Waiala Cove in a larger map

You may also be interested in:

• ‘Ahihi-Kina’u Natural Area Reserve
• Polo Beach
• Chang’s Beach & Five Graves (aka Ulupikanui Beach & Pamolepo)

Little Beach

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

In a nutshell: Little Beach is where you go if you want to get nude with a bunch of other people. A beautiful beach, but gets crowded.
Minuses: Gawkers and creepy perverts are also attracted to this beach.
Sound-bite: “oowwwww…I forgot to apply sunscreen there!”

DETAILS:
The draw for most visitors here is nudity. While public nudity is technically illegal in Hawaii, it has been generally accepted that this is a nude beach, and the law is not enforced here.

There is also a drum-circle and fire dancing on Sunday afternoons into the evening. (If you’ve taken the right stuff, you may even think you’re in the parking lot of a Dead show back in the day.)

There is also boogie-boarding and surfing access from this beach.

Access to Little Beach is from Big Beach. Park at the first Big beach lot, and walk to the North (right) end of the beach. There is a trail over the rocky outcrop of an old lava flow.

Bird’s-eye view of Makena Beach (Little & Big Beach):

Key Info:
Location: Walk from Big Beach Lot 1 on Makena Alanui Rd., (4 Mi S of Grand Wailea Resort)
GPS Coordinates: 20.634873,-156.451921
Facilities: (At Big Beach) Bathrooms, lifeguards, picnic tables.
Get directions

View Makena Little Beach in a larger map

You may also be interested in:

• Red Sand Beach (Kaihalulu Beach)
• Baldwin Beach Park
• Polo Beach

Kama'ole Beach views are outstanding

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

In a nutshell: Kama’ole is a very popular set of beaches for locals and visitors. Beautiful, long, 1.5 mile sandy beaches with incredible views of Molokini, Kaho’olawe and Lana’i islands. Kam III has one of the most regular South Maui shorebreaks for boogie-boarding. Snorkeling opportunities are plentiful. Full facilities and family friendly.
Minuses: Kam III is crowded on weekends and holidays and sometimes less-than-desirable types make the grassy areas a drinking hangout.
Sound-bite: “The best beaches in Kihei, hands-down.”

DETAILS:
Kama’ole Beach Park is a set of three popular stretches of beach smack in the middle of Kihei. Frequently called by their shortened nicknames, “Kam” (I, II or III) they are all well marked, easy to find, and right on South Kihei Rd.

Besides being in the middle of the action, these beaches are very popular due to an unbeatable combination of accessibility, facilities, and just plain old really nice beaches!

Normally the ocean at these beaches is relatively safe for swimmers, although it should be noted that the ocean does drop to overhead levels relatively close to shore. Also during Kona storms and south swells, the surf can get big, rip currents form, and swimming can become dangerous.  (see Ocean Conditions.)

The boundaries of the three beaches are delineated by rocky points at either end of the beach. If you like to take long beach walks or run, you can start at either end of Kama’ole and walk all the way to the other rather easily – you will probably want to cut across the small stretch of Royal Mauian “ocean-front lawn” between Kam I & II (where scrambling over the rocks is a bit more difficult.) There are small, vaguely worded signs indicating a public access exists through there, but it is not clear precisely where (likely because much more of this manicured lawn is actually public beach than they would like to admit!)

The area at the North end of Kam I (which is called “Charley Young Beach” by locals) is the best area for snorkeling. Snorkeling is also pretty good at all of these beaches. Stick around the rocky points for the best snorkeling.

View of Kamaloe I

Kama’ole I & Charley Young Beach
A wide, sandy beach, with good swimming. The north end of this stretch of beach is called “Charley Young Beach.” Charley Young was a military reporter who came at the wrong time to build his house here – during WWII all these beaches were taken over and made to simulate enemy beach landings. Anyway, Charley got his land back after the war, and built his house.

The Charley Young end of Kam I is more popular with locals, and since the lifeguard and more visible parking and beach access for Kam I is at the other end of the beach, Charley Young is not usually as crowded with visitors. The Charley Young parking lot is on Kaiau St., as is a public access path and stairs to that end of the beach.

Parking for the rest of Kam I is at the main parking area right in front of the beach, on street, and at an overflow lot across the road. (see Google map below for all Kam parking lots.)

Kamaole II with the Maui Banyan condo in background

Kama’ole II
Another fairly wide sandy beach, the Maui Banyan sits on the end of this beach. While they like to tout it as “one of the finest beaches on Maui”, that claim is a bit exaggerated. What they don’t share in the glossy literature is that after large Kona storms, the sand can temporarily be removed by the ocean leaving rounded lava rock (resembling river rocks, except black.) In fact, the old-time Hawai’ian name for this beach (you know, from the folks that weren’t trying to sell you a condo) is “Ili’iliholo”, which literally means “running pebbles.” (Salesman bashing aside, most days of the year this is still a pretty nice beach!)

Kamaole III with Ana'iao in the foreground

Kama’ole III
Kam III is the most popular of the three beaches. It is also the best for boogie-boarding, with a regular break here that can get fairly large during south swells. It is shortest and least wide of the Kama’oles, but it does have the most facilities and a gigantic grassy park area. It also has a new playground and bathroom, and plenty of parking (But weekends & holidays are very popular here – so you will probably need to park in the overflow parking lot.)

Be aware that some Large rocks are found protruding from the ocean (and less so, the sand) along some pockets of Kam III. There is also a second rock-bracketed area that forms a more protected cove at the south end Kam III, the cove is called Ana’iao by old-timers. (You’ll likely be the only person there that knows that name!)

Key Info:
Location: South Kihei Rd, (Turn off between mi 7 & 9 from Hwy 31 aka Piilani Hwy)
GPS Coordinates: (I) 20.72208,-156.448102; (II) 20.716701,-156.4463; (III) 20.712727,-156.448338
Facilities: Each has Showers, Bathrooms, Lifeguards, BBQs & Picnic Tables.
Get directions (Kam III)

View Kama’ole Beach Park I, II, III & Charley Young Beach in a larger map

You may also be interested in:

• Polo Beach
• Keawakapu Beach
• Wailea Beach

Polo Beach

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

In a nutshell: A pair of beautiful sandy crescents fronting the Polo Beach Club and the Fairmont Kea Lani.
Minuses: Can get crowded with resort guests & cabanas.
Sound-bite: “Where are the horses?”

Details:
A pair of beautiful sandy crescents join to form this beach. The south end fronts the Polo Beach Club and the north side the Fairmont Kea Lani hotel. At times, the north end becomes crowded with Kea Lani guests, cabanas and lounge chairs; the south end is usually uncrowded.

A small grassy park with showers, bathrooms, picnic tables & BBQs is removed from the beach and resort. The tables and BBQs are infrequently used because they don’t have much of a view and feel sandwiched between resort buildings and the parking lot. Plenty of parking and real easy access.

Polo beach got renamed in a sales brochure for the resort, probably because one of the common names prior to re-branding was a bit less appealing: “Dead Horse Beach.” The full name of the beach, “Ke One o Polo” is, however, quite accurate when translated – “The sand is not thick.” There are plenty of rocks poking though.

Snorkeling is excellent during calm seas around the rocky point to the north end of the beach. Boogie boarding is good when a south swell comes in. Sandy entry and gentle slope makes swimming and playing in the water a pleasure, but during large swells you are advised to avoid this beach as dangerous rip currents are known to form.

Key Info:
Location: End of Makena Rd., turn into parking area. (see map below)
GPS Coordinates: 20.675662,-156.443596
Facilities: Showers, bathrooms, picnic tables, BBQs, no lifeguards.
Get directions

View Polo Beach in a larger map

You may also be interested in:

• Wailea Beach
• Keawakapu Beach
• Ulua Beach